BY CAROLYN MEERS
The Agency’s latest award-winning global campaign, “The Perfect Setting,” deliberately shifts focus away from the picture-perfect properties that have long dominated luxury real estate advertising. Instead, it spotlights individuals and the unique interests that inform their
Read more about this ad campaign on page 7.
BY MEGHAN THIBAULT
F rom a thoroughly modern, Zaha Hadid-designed masterpiece in West Chelsea to a beautifully restored Cobble Hill townhouse, New York’s property market continues to captivate the world’s most discerning buyers. Here, we bring you a breathtaking selection of properties on the market, including a two-level duplex in the Cast Iron Building and a Gramercy Park gem with plenty of pre-war charm, to showcase just some of the city’s unique architectural identity. In these listings, you can glimpse the centuries-old imperative to preserve history through careful stewardship of the city’s best examples of era-specific architecture—while adding contemporary touches, and occasionally, entirely new genres.
$1,200,000 | GREENWICH VILLAGE
Magnificent duplex loft in the iconic Cast Iron Building features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, soaring 15-ft ceilings, and grand, arched east-facing windows. Exposed brick, a floating staircase, and a Corinthian column add character, while a chef’s kitchen boasts Calacatta counters and top-tier appliances. Amenities include a full-time doorman, rooftop deck, on-site laundry, storage, and pet-friendly policies. Prime Greenwich Village location near Union Square and Washington Square Parks.
REPRESENTED BY
Tami Kurtz | 917.207.8960 | Tami@TheAgencyRE.com
148 Attorney Street, #PH, Manhattan
$2,395,000 | LOWER EAST SIDE
Access this full-floor penthouse via private elevator. Designed by Issac & Stern, it features 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an open-concept living area with East and West exposures, and a neutral color palette. Its true luxury are its private outdoor spaces: a rooftop deck, two west-facing balconies, and an east-facing terrace. Amenities include heated bathroom floors, a soaker tub, custom closets, Murphy bed, and in-unit laundry. Located on a quiet Lower East Side street near popular markets.
REPRESENTED BY Rueben Schatz | 212.729.6312 | Rueben.Schatz@TheAgencyRE.com Cameron Begg | 917.587.6003 | Cameron.Begg@TheAgencyRE.com
A RICH TAPESTRY OF ICONIC ARCHITECTURAL
IS JUST ONE FACET OF THE CITY’S PERPETUAL APPEAL
$1,650,000 | GRAMERCY PARK
REPRESENTED BY
Sophistication and contemporary style reign in this sun-drenched, renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5bath residence that maintains key elements of its pre-war charm. Set high above the park, its oversized south-facing windows and an additional west-facing window flood this corner home with natural light and postcard views. A chef’s kitchen features Miele and Bosch appliances, breakfast bar, and seamless flow into a living room with custom built-ins, beamed ceilings, and discreet through-wall A/C. The king-sized primary suite offers a spa-like bath with radiant heated floors and a walk-in closet. Amenities include a key to Gramercy Park, fulltime doormen, a gym, bike storage, and more. Pet- and pied-à-terre friendly.
Mike Fabbri | 917.226.6132 | Licensed as Michael J. Fabbri | Mike.Fabbri@TheAgencyRE.com
Arthur Anthony | 845.242.2512 | Arthur.Anthony@TheAgencyRE.com
$3,850,000 | UPPER WEST SIDE
REPRESENTED BY
Renovated Upper West Side triplex includes 3 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, and three expansive levels that harmonize its historic charm with contemporary design—with soaring ceilings, white oak herringbone floors, two fireplaces, and elegant pocket doors. The kitchen features a breakfast nook, custom cabinetry, and Wolf, SubZero, and Miele appliances. Ambient heated floors warm the primary bedroom’s spa-inspired bathroom. Set on a quiet treelined block near Riverside Park.
Kyle Ramdeen | 914.299.5377 | Kyle.Ramdeen@TheAgencyRE.com
Michael Biryla | 646.496.2174 | MikeB@TheAgencyRE.com
520 West 28th Street, #7, Manhattan
$3,850,000 | WEST CHELSEA
Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of Zaha Hadid’s only NYC residential building. This 2-bed, 2.5-bath West Chelsea apartment spans 1,717 SF with dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows, an open Boffi kitchen with sculptural marble island, and a luxurious primary suite with spalike bath. Amenities include NYC’s first private IMAX, robotic parking, skylit saltwater pool, fitness center, and a landscaped terrace lounge.
REPRESENTED BY
Cary Tamura | 917.604.0809 | CT@TheAgencyRE.com
Ellie Conway | 404.772.8228 | Ellie.Conway@TheAgencyRE.com
62 Wyckoff Street, Brooklyn
REPRESENTED BY
Exceptional 5-story Cobble Hill townhouse offers unique flexibility. Currently configured as a 4-bedroom upper triplex and a 2-bedroom garden duplex, each with private garden access, it can easily be converted into a single 6-bedroom home. Features include wide-plank floors, a curved staircase, chef’s kitchen, radiant marble floors, skylights, and a landscaped backyard near top restaurants, boutiques and beloved markets. Well suited as a primary residence or investment property.
Tyler Whitman | 917. 565.5166 | Tyler@TheAgencyRE.com
Ashlie Roberson | 256.394.5609 | Ashlie@TheAgencyRE.com
Melissa Bemis | 908.812.6831 | Melissa.Bemis@TheAgencyRE.com
$35,000 PER MONTH | SOHO
Exquisitely appointed 2-bed, 4-bath SoHo loft fuses timeless architecture and contemporary interior design. A private key-lock elevator opens to a light-filled great room with 11-foot ceilings, Schotten & Hansen oak floors, and a wall of windows. The Leicht kitchen features Miele appliances, dual gas and electric stoves, and an induction cooktop. Bedrooms include integrated offices, complemented by a separate soundproof home office for increased focus. Bathrooms are beautifully cast in Corian stone.
REPRESENTED BY Jon Amundsen | 917.536.6672 | Jon.Amundsen@TheAgencyRE.com
$2,100,000 | TURTLE BAY
$5,500,000 | COBBLE HILL Utilize The
Residence 15F is a sun-drenched two-bedroom, two-bath corner condo in a premier Turtle Bay building. With nearly 10-foot ceilings, floorto-ceiling windows, skyline views, a Poliform kitchen with Miele appliances, spa-like baths, and washer/dryer, it’s both stylish and functional. The full-service condo offers a spa, gym, golf simulator, Sky Lounge, playroom, and 24-hour staff—all moments from Grand Central Station, the United Nations, and the East River.
REPRESENTED BY Jed Lewin Esq. | 917.609.0466 | Jed.Lewin@TheAgencyRE.com
BY MEGHAN MARRON
F all kicks off one of the hottest seasons in New York real estate—and there’s plenty sellers can do now to prep their home for a standout sale. Here, Melissa Bemis of The Agency New York shares her strategies to help sellers attract buyers and maximize their home’s value in today’s competitive market.
What’s one high-impact upgrade or improvement that consistently boosts NYC homes’ perceived value?
A fresh coat of paint goes a long way. Light, neutral shades like white instantly brighten the space, make it feel more modern, and give buyers the impression of an updated property.
What budget-friendly design tip do you recommend to help sellers make their homes more appealing?
A deep cleaning, whether you are selling or just refreshing your space, will make your home sparkle and feel brand new. Don’t forget window washing to let in maximum natural light. A clean, bright space not only impresses buyers but also gives you a refreshed state of mind.
For sellers needing a quick turnaround, what simple updates like paint, fixtures, or lighting do you suggest?
I recommend decluttering, painting if possible, caulking, and a deep clean, including window washing. I tailor my advice to each property, but these general updates always work to make homes feel fresh, bright, and ready to impress buyers.
Which finishes, appliances, or features are NYC buyers drawn to, and what should sellers steer clear of?
Most buyers are drawn to high-end stainless steel or paneled appliances. Sellers should steer clear of overly specific design choices, since you want the largest pool of potential buyers to envision themselves in the space. For example, a shower with fire engine red tile might turn some buyers off. Keeping finishes classic and versatile helps your home appeal to more buyers and sell faster.
What insider tips or seasonal strategies can NYC sellers use to perfectly time their sale and stand out?
Fall is one of the busiest real estate seasons in New York City, with motivated buyers actively searching before the year’s end. It is also the perfect time for sellers to plan ahead for spring, when demand peaks and market momentum is strongest. Many buyers aim to move before summer or the school year, which drives urgency and competition. Starting in November or December allows us to prepare your property and launch it at the right moment for maximum impact.
in New York City is all about first impressions, and small updates can make a big impact. With programs like The Agency ReFrame, sellers can access up to $50,000 for improvements such as fresh paint, repairs, landscaping, or staging, all without
Turn the page to find this season’s must-know design trends and apply them to your next home refresh.
Feeling hungry? It might be the Farmer’s Market Palette being served up across fashion and home decor. We’re seeing dill green, butter yellow (still thriving after its summer spotlight), and tomato reds—pairings that feel fresh but with a bit of retro inspo. These combos lean toward warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. These tones also serve up into craft-forward quirk, rebel against sterile greys of the past, and touch on another strengthening trend: Homestead Couture.
Coastal and country-core influences reach a crescendo with richly textured, hand-touched designs. Pervasive across home decor and fashion accessories, this aesthetic leans into individuality—even imperfection—and rejects mass-produced, algorithmdriven sameness.
Part Burning Man ingenuity, part ecoutopia, Solarpunk powers trends like Craft Core and Homestead Couture.
A design and lifestyle movement, it fuses sustainability, community, and tech. Think hemp fabrics, solar lighting, biophilic design, and DIY over mass waste. At its heart, Solarpunk is a hopeful, hands-on vision of the future. We can get on board with that.
2026’s top contender marks a tonal shift from 2025’s color of the year, Mocha Mousse. Now, deep blues and teals are taking the lead. Cool yet rich, these hues evoke calm while still being bold. Jewel tones, electric purples, and pops of elemental cobalt blue are gaining ground in home and in fashion. Craving a more muted version? Go for a silvery gray eucalyptus hue— it’s subtle but still moving with the current.
“Retro” can mean lots of things, so let us be specific. This trend is all about unexpected color pairings, ones we haven’t seen since the ’90s, ‘70s—or maybe, ever. Think burnt orange with yellow, baby blue with chocolate brown, or denim with brown leather.
In a digital-first world, homesteadinspired living is flourishing. Rooted in a vision of self-sufficiency, it spans interiors, fashion, and food—think heritage patterns, produce-as-decor, and soul over spin. New brands, from cult launches to celebrity-backed lines, have embraced the look, though not always authentically. If something feels staged or saccharine, consumers will pass.
This season, self-expression leads—and animal prints are on the move. Leopard, zebra, and snakeskin lead the herd, but Dalmatian (modern, graphic, and versatile) is the one to watch. At home, it pops on cushions, rugs, and chairs and pairs well with neutral tones and natural textures.
BY MEGHAN THIBAULT
The Agency’s New York office has been making an undeniable mark. To celebrate, we hosted two high-profile gatherings in June that drew agents, industry leaders, and some of the city’s sharpest real estate minds. From an in-depth market panel at One Wall Street to a skyline celebration atop Sutton Tower, the events highlighted The Agency’s role as an industry connector and a driving force in the NYC market.
Our inaugural Industry Exchange was held at The One Club, within One Wall Street. A discussion panel and cocktail reception united the city’s brokerage community under one roof to unpack trends shaping New York City’s real estate market.
Our panel, moderated by Founder and CEO Mauricio Umansky, explored global and national economic trends and shifting buyer behaviors, providing forwardlooking insights. Panelists included Rainy Hake Austin, President of The Agency; Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist at Gardner Economics; Noah Rosenblatt, Founder of UrbanDigs; and Jonathan Miller, CEO of Miller Samuel.
“Events like the Industry Exchange bring together diverse voices, allowing us to share insights that can shape the future of our industry,” said Juliet Clapp, SVP & Northeast Managing Partner of The Agency.
Many thanks to One Wall Street and to our sponsors, Cliffco Mortgage Bankers and Graubard & Blumenfield Attorneys at Law, for their valued support.
Meeting influencers in real life has a way of galvanizing efforts. The Agency New York’s Northeast Summer Soirée offered an opportunity to connect with some of our industry’s very best at a gathering of The Agency’s Northeast agent community, leaving everyone inspired with new insights.
“Bringing our Northeast partners together for this event was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from true collaboration,” said Juliet Clapp, SVP & Northeast Managing Partner. “There’s nothing more energizing than connecting face-to-face, sharing ideas, and celebrating the incredible momentum we’re building together across the region.”
The event kicked off with a luncheon at The Agency’s NYC headquarters, where the company’s Northeast partners and agents gathered to hear from key leaders, including Founder and CEO, Mauricio Umansky, President Rainy Hake Austin, VP of Operations East, Kumar Patel, and Juliet Clapp.
Topics included business opportunities, growth potential, and how best to leverage The Agency’s global network for the greatest impact. The energy carried into the evening with an exclusive cocktail hour at Sutton Tower’s Penthouse 80, where guests took in panoramic views and toasted their shared success.
Our sincere thanks to Sutton Tower for welcoming us into such an extraordinary setting for the evening, and to Citizens Private Bank for their generous support in making this memorable day possible.
With a growing team of top talent and a leadership team that’s deeply engaged in the NYC market—not to mention invested in the success of our clients and agents—The Agency’s New York headquarters is proving itself to be a compelling hub for connection, impactful insights, and industry leadership .
By placing people front and center, “The Perfect Setting” speaks directly to a discerning clientele who seek out brands that celebrate their complexity while endeavoring to better achieve their goals.
For Creative Director Shane Gazzo and his team, the campaign’s foundation was rooted in storytelling. “From the very beginning, we knew this campaign needed beautiful, compelling visuals—but above all, it had to tell relatable stories,” said Gazzo. The creative process resembled “matchmaking,” carefully pairing fictional individuals with environments that reflected their unique personalities and aspirations.
Rather than treating properties as mere backdrops, Gazzo and his team ensured each setting functioned as a “costar,” amplifying the distinct essence of each character.
“Our intentional pairing of people with their places was inspired by that incredible moment of recognition buyers
feel when they arrive at a home and just know this is where they belong.”
Lesley Stern, VP of Agent Marketing, emphasizes the campaign’s dual purpose—asserting The Agency’s role as a tastemaker in luxury real estate while providing agents powerful tools to connect with elite clients.
“My team and I obsess about how to build the bridge between our corporate brand vision and the day-to-day business of our agents,” says Stern. “This campaign’s strength lies in its ability to showcase what makes The Agency’s agents exceptional—their understanding that luxury real estate isn’t just about properties, but about seeing their clients for who they are, what they desire, and where they see themselves thriving.”
PAIRING INDIVIDUALS WITH ENVIRONMENTS THAT REFLECT THEIR PERFECT SETTING
“From the moment I saw it at Forum, I was obsessed with the 2025 campaign! My brokers love it too, and it’s been great to see so many agents at The Agency using this message in their markets. As agents at this caliber, we must take every aspect of our clients’ lifestyles and interests into account. It’s almost expected. Showcasing this talent in a brand campaign is so special. Plus, it just looks so cool.”
